Centers Black, Holmes have become ‘perfect complement’ for Bowling Green's post play

1/23/2013

BY JOHN WAGNER BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Bowling Green State University forward Richaun Holmes (22) shares similar numbers with fellow big man Cameron Black, including their minutes per game as Black averages 19.8 and Holmes 18.3. Holmes averages 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while Black contributes 3.4 points and 3.8 rebounds.

BOWLING GREEN — One is spectacular, ranking among the top shot-blockers in Division I basketball.

The other is steady, making sure he’s in the right defensive position and doing little things like taking charges.

Junior Cameron Black and sophomore Richaun Holmes have split the minutes at center for the Bowling Green State University men’s basketball team, even though their playing styles on the court are very different.

“They’re the perfect complement for one another,” Falcons coach Louis Orr said. “I think it’s great to have them both. They both do different things to help your team.

“They are two different players who help you in different ways, and they complement each other on both ends of the floor.”

Black, who will likely get the start for the Falcons today when they host Kent State at the Stroh Center in a 7 p.m. contest, is the “steady” defensive player. While he does have 16 blocked shots this season — he is tied for ninth in school history with 85 — his defensive game is more about being in the right place at the right time.

“He knows his job, and he’s the best [on-ball] defender in the post on our team,” Orr said of Black. “I think he’s one of the best post-defenders in the league.

“It’s one thing to play defense before a guy even gets the ball. It’s one thing to execute the scouting report. Cam is very, very good and helping and covering up mistake before you need to block a shot.”

Holmes has come off the bench in his first season at BG after transferring from Moraine Valley [Ill.] Community College, although he does have two starts. He also has 46 blocked shots and ranks 21st among Division I players with 2.7 per contest.

“If a guy gets by his defender, and you need somebody to block a shot, he’s one of the best guys that I’ve seen at blocking shots,” Orr said of Holmes. “He’s a tremendous athlete.

“He’s still young in terms of learning team defense, and when you’re a shot-blocker you sometimes depend on that.”

Most of their other numbers are similar, including their minutes per game as Black averages 19.8 and Holmes 18.3. Holmes averages 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while Black contributes 3.4 points and 3.8 rebounds.

“Cam’s become more a banger, a physical guy who is skilled in the low post,” Orr said. “Richaun [is about] activity: Running the floor, grabbing an offensive rebound, tap dunks and alley-oops.

“They score in different ways, but we need offense from them.”

NOTES: The Falcons will be without sophomore guard Jehvon Clarke and senior forward James Erger, both of whom are battling ankle sprains. … Junior forward Craig Sealey, who had missed time because of concussion-like symptoms, will be available for today’s game.

Contact John Wagner at: jwagner@theblade.com, 419-724-6481 or on Twitter @jwagnerblade.

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